Ontario Government Continues to Create and Protect Jobs

Ontario Government Continues to Create and Protect Jobs

Province supports job creators and workers

TORONTO - One year into office, Ontario's government continues to send the message that the province is open for business by creating an environment where businesses can thrive, grow, and create good jobs for the people.

Statistics Canada announced this morning that employment in Ontario increased by 20,900 in May.

"We are bringing quality jobs back to Ontario families," said Todd Smith, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. "We will continue to fight to ensure that we are creating a stable and competitive business environment where good jobs are created, workers are protected, and employers are given the opportunity to grow and prosper here."

The Ontario government is focused on growing the economy. The government is restoring fiscal responsibility to promote growth, and in turn, businesses are investing in Ontario and expanding job opportunities. The results were reflected in the release of Ontario's 2019 Budget, Protecting What Matters Most, which sets out a five-year path to a balanced budget to protect critical public services such as health care and education.

Through the 2019 Budget, the government is delivering on its commitment to reduce business taxes earlier than promised by providing $3.8 billion in Ontario Corporate Income Tax relief over six years to support business investment through the Ontario Job Creation Investment Incentive. The incentive will help businesses make investments in machinery upgrades and expansions to help them grow and stimulate job creation.

"We are committed to protecting and creating good jobs for the people of Ontario," said Smith. "To do that, we are focused on eliminating unnecessary barriers to investment that have had a negative effect on job creation in the past. Getting Ontario back to work is our highest priority."

Quick Facts

Employment growth occurred in many regions across the province; year-over-year increases include Kingston-Pembroke (9.3 per cent), Kitchener-Waterloo-Barrie (6.1 per cent) and Muskoka-Kawarthas (3.5 per cent).

Since June 2018, employment has increased by 191,200.

The government is committed to cutting red tape and reducing regulatory burdens to help lower the costs of doing business and support economic growth throughout the province. Ontario’s Open for Business Action Plan has set targets of reducing regulatory red tape affecting businesses by 25 per cent and the cost of complying with regulations by $400 million annually by 2020 to help business keep, grow and create good jobs.